Optimizing Mobility in Pediatric Tibial Hemimelia: Gait Analysis and Prosthetic Design for Distal Tibial Aplasia

Sushree Sangita Nayak

Abstract: Tibial hemimelia is a rare congenital condition characterized by partial or complete tibial absence, often presenting with significant functional and anatomical challenges. This case report examines an 8-year-old female with unilateral fibular hemimelia and transverse tibial deficiency, presenting with a 12 cm left leg length discrepancy, absent distal tibia, and a rudimentary bud, treated at the Swami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR). Gait analysis revealed pronounced asymmetries: the right leg showed a step length of 367 cm, step time of 8 seconds, step angle of 10.15?, center of pressure (CoP) of 31, and anterior/posterior average of 19, while the left leg exhibited a step length of 690 cm, step time of 14.6 seconds, step angle of -2.71?, CoP of 68, and anterior/posterior average of -16. The implausible step length of 690 cm suggests a measurement error. These findings highlight compensatory gait patterns and instability, consistent with Jones type II or Paley type 4 tibial hemimelia. The study aims to evaluate a modified design extension prosthesis to improve posture, gait, and stability. Results underscore the need for tailored prosthetic interventions to address limb length discrepancy and ankle instability, offering a non-invasive alternative to amputation or arthrodesis. Further research is needed to validate gait data and assess long-term prosthetic outcomes.

Keywords: Tibial hemimelia, fibular hemimelia, gait analysis, limb length discrepancy, prosthetic intervention

How to Cite?: Sushree Sangita Nayak, "Optimizing Mobility in Pediatric Tibial Hemimelia: Gait Analysis and Prosthetic Design for Distal Tibial Aplasia", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1378-1381, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25825152329, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25825152329

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